www.military.com

 

 

DD 214 Now Online for Veterans
 
  The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access their DD-214 online: vetrecs.archives.gov. This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center's mailroom processing time.

date added to site 03/29/2006

 

 

 

Squadron Homecoming Marks End of Era for Tomcats

Virginia Beach, VA. - Two strike fighter squadrons arrived at Naval Air Station Oceana here today, ending a six-month deployment and closing the book on the Tomcat as an asset in the Navy's war fighting arsenal.

The "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron 31 and the "Black Lions" of Strike Fighter Squadron 213 were deployed with Carrier Air Wing 8 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

The squadrons' "fly-off" marked the last operational flight of the F-14D Tomcat and the final stage of the squadrons' transition to the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. VF-213 pilots will begin F/A-18F training next month and VF-31 pilots, who are transitioning to the F/A-18E, will remain operational until September when they will fly the last Tomcat in the Navy's inventory from Oceana.

"Everyone has worked very hard, pulled together and with purpose to ensure we retire this naval aviation icon appropriately and commensurate with its long and proud legacy," Cmdr. Richard LaBranche, VF-31 commanding officer, said.

The Navy decided to decommission the Tomcat and move to the Super Hornet to lighten the workload on its people after recognizing the excessive amount of maintenance needed to keep them operational. "It takes about three to four times more maintenance man-hours per flight hour to maintain than the newer Hornet," LaBranche said. "Retiring the extremely relevant but maintenance intensive Tomcat was a way to save the exhaustive efforts of our people and better spend their labors."

For the pilots who fly them and the crews who keep them operational, the loss of the Tomcat hits close to home. "I will miss flying the Tomcat very much," LaBranche said. "Saying good bye to the Tomcat will be like saying good bye to an old friend, but in the best interest of our people, it must be done."

Throughout its 32-year service to the fleet, the Tomcat has been synonymous with excellence. Since the first aircraft entered operational service in September 1974, the Grumman Aerospace Corporation-built F-14 has seen numerous upgrades and modifications to meet the demands of the Navy as the premier carrier-based multi-role strike fighter. "It is one of the greatest fighter planes in history," Lt. Chris Rattigan, a pilot with VF-31, said. "When you think of naval aviation, you think of the Tomcat."

The Tomcat saw its first major improvements to the initial design with the F-14B, introduced in November 1987, which incorporated new General Electric F-110 engines. In 1995, an upgrade program brought the Tomcat new digital avionics and weapon system improvements. "The F-14 may be old, but with all the upgrades (over the years), there isn't anything out there tougher and more capable than the Tomcat," Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Houlihan, an aviation structural mechanic with VF-31, said.

During this deployment, VF-31 flew more sorties and with the highest sortie completion rate of any other Tomcat squadron in recent history, LaBranche said. With a more than 99 percent sortie-completion rate and a 100 percent on-target rate when ordnance was expended during this, their final deployment, VF-31 is confident they sent the Tomcat out on a high note.

"Our successes on this deployment have been huge," Houlihan said. "We accomplished more than we had set out to do. I honestly think that VF-31 has proved that these aircraft, despite the amount of maintenance required to maintain it, have a lot of life left in them."

While deployed, VF-31 provided invaluable close-air support to troops on the ground and, together with VF-213, completed 1,163 combat sorties totaling 6,876 flight hours and dropped 9,500 pounds of ordnance.

"Our entire crew is acutely aware of the historic nature of being the very last Tomcat squadron," said LaBranche, noting the attention VF-31 is facing as they return from this final deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"To see the sailors of this command perform so magnificently throughout five months of arduous combat operations has been inspirational for me," LaBranche said. "(The unit) has met every challenge head-on, succeeded in every endeavor and left a legacy befitting our new slogan as 'The Last Cat Standing.'"

 

 

 

Chairman Buyer continues leadership to protect the dignity of military families 

Washington, D.C. - American families suffering the loss of a loved one will be protected as they grieve by legislation soon to be introduced by Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN), Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-Fla.).  Chairman Buyer and Congressman Rogers have been working on draft language to restrict protests at funerals at national cemeteries for 60 minutes before or after a funeral.  This bill also restricts protesters to 500 feet or more from the grave site or individuals they are protesting.     

Chairman Buyer who brought this issue to the attention of the American people in a floor speech before Congress on March 2, and invited administration dignitaries to attend a military funeral in Kokomo, IN for Army Sgt. Rickey Jones, killed in combat in Baghdad, shares the outrage of the American people at the despicable demonstrations of a few.

"It is outrageous, appalling and indecent for an American citizen to commit perversions against a military family grieving at their loss," said Chairman Buyer.

"With this legislation I seek to protect the dignity that all military veterans and their families so rightfully deserve," said Chairman Buyer.

 

 

date added to site 03/15/2006

 

 

Chairman Buyer Seeks Improved GI Benefit Bill for Guard & Reserve, Full Committee Hearing Held 

Washington, D.C. - With the goal to modernize the GI Bill, Chairman Buyer heard testimony today from representatives of the National Guard and Reserves on education benefits for the total military force.  Committee members were questioning whether the current GI Bill education and training programs are meeting the needs of servicemembers and veterans transitioning back to civilian life and the workforce, as well as maintaining the recruiting and retention goals of both active duty and reserve forces. 

"My vision of a modernized GI Bill is one that would address both national competitiveness and personal success issues by significantly increasing the number of veterans who use their benefits and that includes members of the National Guard and Reserves," said Chairman Steve Buyer. 

Buyer announced his interest in modernizing the GI Bill at a hearing last month, where Secretary Nicholson presented the President's Fiscal Year 2007 Budget.  This is the first in a series of anticipated Committee hearings on the issue. 

Buyer said his efforts to enact change must "meet two primary goals:  first, make the GI Bill more flexible in the types of education and training available to all eligible veterans; second, to adjust the program to make it more useable for members of the National Guard and Reserves while maintaining its value as a recruiting and retention tool." 

"Our Airmen deserve a benefit commensurate with their service in war," said Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve. 

"We must work to ensure that returning servicemembers, both active-duty and Reservists, receive educational and training benefits that reflect and correspond to the new realities which have transformed our nation's military commitments since September 11, 2001," said Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-S.D.). 

"They should not lose their education benefits following honorable service," concluded Chairman Buyer. 

Noting that the testimony of several senior officials declined to endorse a proposal put forward by the Partnership for Veterans Education, Buyer questioned the consistency of their testimony.  "I don't see their logic.  On one hand, they oppose the Partnership's proposal to retain education benefits after discharge on the ground that it would hurt retention.  On the other hand, their own survey data shows that education benefits have little influence on a decision to reenlist," said Buyer.   

"We're going to continue working with the stakeholders, but in the end, we need a better GI Bill that meets the needs of all those who wear the uniform and the needs of America's economy," concluded Buyer. 

Testimony was provided by:

Honorable T. F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs
Mr. Bill Carr, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Military Personnel Policy
Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, United States Army Reserve
 Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, United States Air Force Reserve
Lt. Gen. John W. Bergman, United States Marine Corps Reserve
Maj. Gen. Ronald Young (ARNG), Acting Director, National Guard Bureau Joint Staff
Rear Adm. Craig McDonald, United States Navy Reserve
Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara, United States Coast Guard Reserve

 

date added to site 03/15/2006

 

VA Holds Women's Retreat
 
  The Specialized Outpatient/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment program of the VA Black Hills Health Care System is hosting its semi-annual Women's Retreat April 28-30, 2006 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center, two miles east of Sturgis. The program is intended for women veterans (all eras) and collaterals (wives, significant others, mothers, etc.) of male veterans traumatized by experiences during military service. The weekend retreat begins at 12 Noon on Friday and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Those wishing to participate must pre-register by phoning 605.720.7449 or 1-800-743-1070, extension 7449. Prior to registration, a brief telephone screening is required.

date added to site 02/26/2006

 

 

Chairman Buyer credits increased input, accountability for improved VA budget 

Washington, D.C. — Speaking at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) discussed the Committee’s Budget Views and Estimates for the Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget.  These Views and Estimates give the House Budget Committee recommendations for its formulation of the FY 2007 VA budget.

Buyer presented a budget that reflects the priorities of the Committee to care for veterans with service connected disabilities, those with special needs, and the indigent; ensure a seamless transition from military service to civilian life; and provide veterans with every opportunity to live full and healthy lives.

The Committee recommends $1.9 billion above the Administration’s FY 2007 budget request, including $600 million in a new legislative initiative to modernize the Montgomery GI Bill. Of the $1.9 billion increase, the Committee recommends a $1.3 billion increase for medical programs, the National Cemetery Administration, and Departmental administration, plus $600 million for the new GI Bill initiative.  The Committee supports the Administration’s budget request of $42.1 billion in mandatory funding to support benefits programs (a 14.5 percent increase over the enacted level for FY 2006).

The Administration’s FY 2007 request, which the Veterans’ Committee received earlier this month, shows the effect of improvements following the discovery by Buyer last year of health care funding shortfalls at the Department.   

“Responding to the Committee’s oversight, both VA and the Office of Management and Budget improved their budget process.  As a result, they have presented us a budget that would strengthen the delivery of high quality health care for veterans,” said Buyer.  

Buyer said the Committee was aided in its work by accelerating the budget and legislative priority hearings of 19 veterans’ and military service organizations (VSOs and MSOs) into February, before the Committee submitted its Views and Estimates.  These hearings previously occurred in spring, after the budget had been formulated. 

“The counsel received from these organizations before Congress formulates the VA budget is invaluable,” said Buyer.  “Their advice has assisted our decision to consider a modernized GI Bill and increase funding for disability claims adjudicators.”  Buyer said that the Committee will not be supporting the Administration’s request for an annual enrollment fee and doubled drug copays.   

While the Committee understands the rationale to use these proper health care utilization management tools to improve the delivery of services, a majority of the Committee does not support these proposals. 

“The Committee changed how it formulated its budget recommendation, increasing the access and influence of VSOs and MSOs.  The result is a better budget and a proposal for $1.9 billion over the President’s request,” Buyer said. 

From the Budget Views and Estimates: 

The Committee recommends $1.9 billion above the Administration’s FY 2007 request.  This number includes $600 million in a new legislative initiative to modernize the GI Bill.  

The Committee supports the Administration’s budget request of $42.1 billion in mandatory funding to support benefits programs (a 14.5 percent increase over the enacted level for 2006). 

Committee recommends that Congress provide additional discretionary funds to support items listed below: 

bullet

Additional claims processing staff – The Committee strongly recommends funding an additional 200 full time equivalent employees (FTEE) in direct compensation, primarily as claims processors, at a cost of $17.1 million, an additional $200,000 for Training and Performance Support Systems and an additional $200,000 for Skills Certification.
 

bullet

Additional management and support staff – The Committee recommends 6 FTEE in management and support personnel, at a cost of $500,000, to support the additional 200 FTEE recommended for direct compensation.
 

bullet

Improved claims processing – With the growing demands on the system, the Veterans’ Benefits Administration (VBA) needs to reexamine its Business Process Reengineering (BPR) focus to implement changes necessary in the field.  The Committee recommends $18 million for BPR to reengineer and streamline the claims process and implement major business process changes.
 

bullet

National Shrine Commitment – The Committee strongly recommends an additional $14 million in National Cemetery Administration operations and maintenance and an additional $16 million in NCA minor construction in FY 2007.
 

bullet

Additional appeals staff – The Committee strongly recommends an additional $6.4 million in FY 2007 for an increase of 56 FTEE above the current level to bring Board of Veterans Appeals staffing to 500.  
 

bullet

Medical and prosthetic research. – The Committee recommends a $28 million increase above the Administration’s request.
 

bullet

Medical facilities – The Committee recommends an additional $100 million, primarily for non-recurring maintenance.
 

bullet

Enrollment fees, co-payments, and third-party offset of first-party debt. – The Committee recommends that the Administration’s request be increased by $795.5 million and will not support the request for increased copays and new enrollment fees. 
 

bullet

Medical Care Collections Fund. – The Committee believes that VA has overestimated its ability to collect what they have projected, based on comparisons of previous years’ actual collections and projected collections.  Therefore, the Committee recommends adding $63 million to projected MCCF collections for Fiscal Year 2007.

Modernizing the GI Bill
Chairman Buyer also announced his support of modernizing the Montgomery GI Bill, an initiative that is broadly supported in the veterans’ community.  

“To help veterans take advantage of the opportunities offered by the nation they defended, we must modernize the Montgomery GI Bill,” Buyer said.  “The GI Bill does not reflect the realities facing today’s servicemembers, especially those in the Guard and Reserves, most of whom, unlike their active-duty counterparts, lose their benefits when they separate from the service,” he said.   

Capitalizing on the value of their input, the Committee will invite VSOs and MSOs to return in September to review the past year and discuss legislative priorities for the year ahead.  This “look-back, look-ahead” hearing will occur in the fall as the Administration is developing its budget proposal for the next fiscal year.  It will further increase access for veterans’ groups and opportunities to share their views.   

“By involving everyone, we have increased accountability and produced a better budget for America’s veterans,” said Buyer.   

You may view the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs FY2007 Budget Views and Estimates at: http://veterans.house.gov/legislation/109/budrep07.pdf  

date added to site 02/24/2006

 

 
CHAIRMAN BUYER LAUDS VA's EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BUDGET PROCESS;

Announces Support for modernized GI Bill Initiative
Pleased with VA's $80.6 billion budget request 

Washington, D.C. — Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today held a full committee oversight hearing on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget request for Fiscal Year 2007.  Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson detailed the Administration’s $80.6 billion request, the largest dollar increase in discretionary funding for VA ever requested by a president.   

“It is worth noting that the President has proposed substantial increases in the budgets of four agencies:  the Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security – agencies focused on fighting the war on terror; and the Department of Veterans Affairs – an agency focused on caring for those who have borne the battle,” said Buyer. 

Chairman Buyer commended Secretary Nicholson for his leadership in examining and learning from the problems with VA’s budgeting process that led to funding shortfalls in fiscal years 2005 and 2006, both since corrected by supplemental funds. 

“By improving the integrity of the process, this budget will more effectively meet the needs of this nation’s 25 million veterans and their dependents,” said Buyer. “The Secretary owns this budget,” he said.  Buyer also praised the heroic response of VA employees to Hurricane Katrina, safely and quickly evacuating thousands of patients.  

Buyer considers this budget a good first step, but acknowledged the committee has concerns with some items in the request.  As it did last year, the Administration proposed that veterans who do not have service-connected disabilities, special disabilities such as blindness, or lower incomes, pay a $250 annual enrollment fee and higher drug co-pays.  Congress did not support these fees and co-pay increases last year; in the current budget request, they account for approximately $800 million in funding. 

Further, Buyer said, “Given the Department’s track record, the VA’s projections of nearly $3 billion in collections from third-party health care insurers appears overly optimistic.”  Buyer also noted potentially inadequate funding levels for VA’s Inspector General, medical research and raised concerns about any reduction in staff needed to adjudicate claims.   

Turning to the importance of helping veterans transition from the military and take full advantage of the educational opportunities, Buyer announced his support of initiatives to modernize the GI Bill.  

“I welcome ideas and proposals such as one made by the Partnership for Veterans Education, led by retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Norb Ryan.  The Montgomery GI Bill, as good as it is, does not reflect the realities facing today’s servicemembers, especially those in the Guard and Reserves.  We must modernize the GI Bill,” said Buyer.   

Efforts to modernize the GI Bill would include enabling members of the Guard and Reserve to continue their education after they are discharged.  In addition, increasing the flexibility of benefits would enable veterans to prepare for a wider variety of good jobs and careers.   

Following Secretary Nicholson, testimony was received from representatives of veterans groups which develop the annual Independent Budget – AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Also testifying were representatives of The American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America.  Some expressed concerns with fees and unrealistic projections for collections.  Others discussed the potential opportunities offered by collaboration between VA and other entities, such as medical teaching universities. While these partnerships can enhance access to quality care, concern was expressed that veterans must have facilities and staff that are focused on their specific needs.  

Closing the hearing, Buyer thanked the veterans’ groups for their participation and told them that their input today and in next week’s legislative hearings would be used as the Committee develops its 2007 views and estimates for submission to the House Budget Committee. 

“We have an obligation, established in law and in the very fabric of our faith as a nation, to compensate and care for those who bear the burdens of war and of military service, whether those scars are in body or mind.  The work of this committee and our counterparts in the Senate must move us toward the fulfillment of that obligation,” Buyer said. 

The Administration’s FY07 budget request for the VA includes:

bullet

$36 billion for Medical Care; a 12.2% increase from 2006 (excluding supplementals and carry-over funding from FY06)

bullet

$42 billion in mandatory funding to support benefits programs: 14.5% increase over the enacted level for 2006.

bullet

$3.2 billion in mental health services; $339 million above the FY06 funding level.
 

date added to site 02/08/2006

 

 

February 2006

Full Committee
Oversight hearing on the VA’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2007
DATE/TIME/PLACE: February 8
(Wednesday), 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Oversight hearing on the VA’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget request for the education, vocational rehabilitation, and loan guaranty programs
 DATE/TIME/PLACE: February 14
(Tuesday), 10:00 a.m., 334 Cannon

Full Committee
Presentation of annual legislative agenda, views and priorities for the following Veterans Service Organizations:
Panel 1
Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS and The American Legion
Panel 2
Jewish War Veterans, Blinded Veterans Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Paralyzed Veterans of America
DATE/TIME/PLACE: February 15
(Wednesday), 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon

Full Committee
Presentation of annual legislative agenda, views and priorities for the following Veterans Service Organizations:
Panel 1
Gold Star Wives, Fleet Reserve Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, The Retired Enlisted Association and Military Officers Association of America
Panel 2
Vietnam Veterans of America, Association for Service Disabled Veterans, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, American Ex-Prisoners of War and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
DATE/TIME/PLACE: February 16
(Thursday), 10:30 a.m., 334 Cannon

Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
 Oversight hearing on the VA’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget request for the compensation and pension business lines
DATE/TIME/PLACE: February 16
(Thursday), 2:00 p.m., 340 Cannon

date added to site 01/21/2006

 

 

 

VA Extends Home Loan Limit to Over $400K
 
  America's veterans and their families now have a greater chance to make their dreams of home ownership a reality, thanks to an increase in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan guaranty limit. Effective January 1, 2006, changes in the loan guaranty limits will mean veterans are able to get no-down payment loans up to $417,000. The previous ceiling was $359,650. More information about VA home loan benefits is available on the Web at http://www.military.com/valoan.

date added to site 01/17/2006

 

 

 

Many in Need Don't Get VA Pension
 
  An estimated 2 million impoverished veterans and their widows are not receiving the VA pension they deserve because they do not know about it. The Department of Veterans Affairs has had limited success in getting the information to them. Veterans, their widows, and other dependents may be eligible for the Department of Veterans Affairs pension if they meet certain requirements: (1) the veteran must have served during a time of war, even if not in combat; (2) they must be either permanently disabled or 65 or older; (3) their incomes must fall under a certain level. Widows of veterans can also apply. If you are a veteran and think you may qualify for the benefit, visit www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs/Pensoneg.doc. A widow of a veteran should read www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs/Dpeneg.doc. The VA also has a toll-free number for more information: 800-827-1000.

date added to site 01/11/2006

 

 

 

Veterans Health Care Act of 2005 Passed
 
  The Senate has passed S. 1182 - the "Veterans Health Care Act of 2005." Provisions of this bill will: 1) The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will now be allowed to hire Marriage and Family Therapists within VA to provide complete readjustment services and counseling to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. 2) Require VA to expand the number of clinical care providers dedicated to the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 3) Require VA to expand tele-health initiatives in rural areas. 3) Require VA to expand mental health services in Community-based Outpatient Clinics. 4) Require VA to expand the Global War on Terrorism Outreach Program, which places Iraq war and Afghanistan war veterans in Vet Centers and encourages them to reach out to returning National Guard and Reservists. 5) Require the Secretary of the VA to establish a strategic plan for long-term care. 6) Increase the total funding for VA's programs to assist homeless veterans to $130 million. 7) And the VA will now be allowed to provide up to 14 days of care for newborns of female veterans. The bill now awaits action by the U.S. House of Representatives. Let your Congressional Representative know how you feel about the "Veterans Health Care Act of 2005."

date added to site 01/02/2006

 

 

VA Prescription Fraud Alert
 
  It has been reported that veterans are receiving calls from a company identifying itself as the "Patient Care Group." This company is claiming that the veteran's prescriptions are now being dispensed through them and if they wanted to continue to receive their meds, they would need to provide a credit card number. Veterans are to be advised that the VA has not changed the process of receiving and dispensing prescriptions. Veterans are also advised to never give out their personal information including social security numbers and credit card numbers to any organization without first verifying their legitimacy. If you feel you may be a victim of this scam visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft/law_resources.htm to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. To learn more about how to avoid being taken advantage by this or any other scams you should visit the Federal Trade Commission's "Identity Theft" website to learn what steps you need to take.

date added to site 09/20/2005

 

New VA Survivor Benefits Website
  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has created a new Internet Website for the surviving spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The website is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from -- and links to -- other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. The new website can be found at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/ or by clicking the "Survivors Benefits" button on the left panel of www.vba.va.gov. For more information on these and other benefits visit www.military.com/benefits.

 

date added to site 09/20/2005

 

Online Veteran Service Office Resources


 

  Veteran Service Offices are a resource created to assist servicemembers and veterans in applying for and getting the VA benefits they need and deserve. Veteran Service Offices, which are normally located at VA Regional Offices, VA Hospitals and Clinics, are operated by one of many military veterans service organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The counselors who work in these offices are referred to as either Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) or District Service Officers (DSOs). These counselors are committed to assisting you with the process of getting enrolled in the VA, filing claims, appeals and pursuing your hard-earned benefits and compensation. In the past it has been difficult for veterans to find their local VSO, however thanks to the VFW there is a new online resource to assist veterans who need the type of assistance only a truly dedicated VSO can provide. To find a VSO near you go to V.F.W. Service Officers and click on the resources link. To read more about the valuable services VSOs provide click here.

 

date added to site 09/14/2005

 

 

VFW Unmet Needs Program


 

  The program provides vital assistance to the families of servicemembers of all five branches of the service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Financial assistance awarded by the program is offered in the form of grants, not loans, so recipients don't need to repay them. In addition assistance may be provided in the form of needed skills or labor. For families in need, the VFW Foundation makes it easy to apply for help. Online applications are available at http://www.unmetneeds.com/, or families may call 1-866-789-NEED (1-866-789-6333). Once a military family completes the initial application, the VFW Foundation contacts the family, and the application is quickly evaluated. If the application is approved, funds are immediately sent to the family. The Unmet Needs Program is administered by the VFW Foundation and supported by Vermont American and individual donations. Individuals can donate either money or time online at http://www.unmetneeds.com/. Contributions can also be mailed to the Unmet Needs Program, VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Room 514, Kansas City, MO, 64111. Note: 100% of public donations received online or through the mail (see address information or brochures for details) goes directly to our military families in need.

 

date added to site 09/14/2005

 

Veterans' Records Accessible Online


 

  The National Archives now has a webpage where veterans can request a copy of their DD-214. A military veteran, or the next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military can use this webpage. The next of kin can be any of the following: surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online website. For more details, also see Records Overview at Military.com.

date added to site 09/07/2005

VA Activates Surviving Spouse Website


 

  The Department of Veterans Affairs recently activated a new website aimed directly at surviving spouses of military members who died on active duty and surviving spouses of veterans who died after serving their country. The website at http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors not only has links to the VA pages describing survivor benefits but also to other government sites that may offer valuable information and assistance. There is also a link to Frequently Asked Questions that answers most questions. For more specific questions, the site tells how to contact the VA directly. The main VA website is at http://www.va.gov/.

date added to site 09/07/2005

American Legion Offers Assistance


 

  Members of the American Legion impacted by Hurricane Katrina can now apply directly to national headquarters for immediate relief cash grants from The American Legion's National Emergency Fund (NEF). Legionnaires can apply to receive up to $1500 to cover costs of food, shelter and clothing needed as the result of devastation created by the nation's largest natural disaster that affected several Gulf Coast states. A cash grant will be immediately placed in the members credit card account upon approval to cover costs created by displacement from the storm. If the individual does not have a credit card, funds can be transferred direct to a hotel/motel to cover the cost of lodging. "We want all Legionnaires to know that help is just a toll free call away," said National Commander Thomas L. Bock. "Our goal is rapid processing of each application to get money into the hands of our members and their families within a matter of hours." Legionnaires can call toll-free 1-800-433-3318 to apply by phone. Another option for those with computer access is secure online application at www.legion.org. The American Legion National Emergency Fund was established in 1969 in the wake of Hurricane Camille. Established by Legionnaires to provide relief to Legionnaires impacted by natural disasters, the fund has provided assistance to thousands of members. "Given the massive scale of this disaster, I ask that all Legionnaires who have not been affected by Katrina consider donating now to the NEF," Bock said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Americans suffering in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane. It is imperative that we contribute whatever we can to help them through this very difficult time." Donations can be made to The American Legion National Emergency Fund also online securely at www.legion.org. For more on Hurricane Katrina, visit our special section covering the disaster.

 

date added to site 09/07/2005

Women's Health Care Similar to Men's at VA

 

  Men and women receive remarkably similar outpatient care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a new study published in the August 2005 issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine. The study looked at nine measures of quality care that are equally appropriate for women and men, including pneumonia and influenza vaccinations; colorectal cancer screenings; and eye examinations for diabetics, to determine what percentage of VA patients received appropriate care for their gender. Men were more likely to receive appropriate services in five of the nine categories; women in the other four. Today, women veterans make up approximately 10 percent of VA's patient workload. This percentage is expected to grow in the years ahead as women make up more of the military. For more veteran health benefits and programs, see http://www.military.com/benefits.

 

date added to site 08/16/2005

Online Military Records Access

 

  The National Personnel Records Center is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180 which can be downloaded from the online web site. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center's mailroom processing time. Also, because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. Veterans and next of kin may access this application at http://vetrecs.archives.gov. For more on accessing and ordering records, see a Records Overview.

 

date added to site 08/16/2005

 

Records Overview

Are you a Veteran and wondering how to replace your lost military records? Do you disagree with your records and wish to see them changed? Perhaps you are doing historical research, and wondering how to obtain the military records of a Veteran? Or perhaps for business or legal reasons, you would like to know more about a Veteran.

Copies of most military and medical records on file can be made available upon request. Information or copies of documents may be released from Official Military Personnel Files within the provisions of the law. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act provide balance between the right of the public to obtain information from military service records, and the right of the former military service member to protect his/her privacy. Please review these items for additional information. In all cases, you must sufficiently identify the person whose record is requested, so that the records can be located with reasonable effort.

More information about replacing awards and medals can also be found in this section.

Access to Records

Veterans and next-of-kin of deceased veterans have the same rights to full access to the record. Next-of-kin are the unremarried widow or widower, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran.

Authorized third party requesters, e.g., lawyers, doctors, historians, etc., may submit requests for information from individual records with the veteran's (or next of kin's) signed and dated authorization. All authorizations should specify exactly what the veteran (or next-of-kin) is allowing to be released to a third party. Authorizations are valid one year from date of signature.


Read more about the following topics:

bullet Awards, Medals, and Decorations
bullet Correcting Military Records
bullet Requesting Military Personnel Records
bullet Discharge Review
bullet Getting Records of Military Personnel or Others
bullet Rebuilding Service Records
bullet Replacing Military Records